Reservations over the future of a former Galashiels hotel after fast food bid fails

It emerged last week that US restaurant chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) had pulled out of a move onto the former Abbotsford Arms Hotel site in Stirling Street after negotiations with the landowners failed.

Now questions are being asked over the future of the key town location.

Galashiels and district councillor Andy Anderson said he was never convinced that a fast food outlet there was really suitable.

Now he’s hoping that consideration might be given to returning it to hotel use.

And even though there is a demolition order over the building he would like to see some of its character retained within any future development.

He said: “While it is good to see a business prepared to invest in Galashiels, I was far from convinced that the Abbotsford Arms Hotel site was the best option for a fast food outlet.

"Ideally, I would like to have seen the 19th century coaching inn preserved and brought back into use as a hotel, which the town sorely needs.

"I have stayed in several small hotels around the UK that would comfortably fit on this site; they had no onsite parking, only a drop-off and instead used local car parking or car parks and refunded costs.

"Being right beside the bus and train station should encourage more sustainable travel through, and there are existing and planned active travel and tourism opportunities in the area.

"There is a demolition order in place, but I would hope that something of the character of the building could be preserved whatever use the site is finally put to.”

Fellow Galashiels and district councillor Euan Jardine has expressed his disappointment that the KFC bid has failed, as he felt it would given a much-needed economic boost to the town as it attempts to recover post Covid-19.

He said: “It opens the question what will happen to the Abbotsford Hotel. I will be speaking to Scottish Borders Council on this matter. I think KFC would have been a great fit but whatever takes over the area needs to be something that delivers an economic boost to the town, whether that is a hotel or a restaurant.”